“We are committed to promoting the understanding of One Belt One Road as a development policy, and the significant opportunities it provides for expanding world trade,” said Robert Elliott, Chairman and Senior Partner, Linklaters.

Linklaters’ China managing partner Fang Jian welcomed the report, saying it was an important step forward in the mutual understanding of the economic and social importance of One Belt One Road.

“We are seeing first-hand the business opportunities of One Belt One Road. It’s driving significant investment in targeted economies, creating employment opportunities and delivering vital infrastructure and development to much needed regions,” said Fang Jian.

Fang Jian said when engaging in a One Belt One Road project, the parties need to recognise the regulatory, business and cultural differences between the participating countries and manage expectations of all parties.

Beijing banking and projects partner, Xiaohui Ji, said the One Belt One Road policy is facilitating important infrastructure projects, such as the provision of reliable power supply in developing economies and in regions of need such as the Thar Block II coal mine and associated coal-fired power plant, Pakistan, where Linklaters advised the Chinese and Pakistani lenders on the project financing.

Fang Jian added there is a need to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and local awareness, which means looking beyond the technical laws and regulations, and having a deeper understanding of business and regulatory environment, and how those laws work in practice.

“Linklaters is deeply engaged in the One Belt One Road initiative including one hydro power, one wind farm and two coal-fired power plants. We’re currently advising on power projects in Pakistan, one coal-fired power project in Indonesia, and one petrochemicals project in Kazakhstan, which are also priority deals in this important Chinese-led initiative,” Ms Ji said.

Linklaters is uniquely placed to facilitate One Belt One Road transactions due to its global coverage and strength in helping clients with all aspects of cross-border investment from corporate structuring and acquisitions to project financing and effective management of risk and disputes.

Mr Elliott reaffirmed Linklaters ongoing commitment to One Belt One Road, and will be participating in the Silk Road Forum on 20-21 June 2016 in Warsaw, Poland. The purpose of this forum is to promote enhanced Eurasian relations.